Harry Kane maintains that the foot injury he sustained while playing for England against Iran is not preventing him from competing and is not a cause for concern.
Even though the Tottenham striker won the Golden Boot four years ago in Russia and is just two attempts away from tying Wayne Rooney’s all-time Three Lions goal record, he has yet to score at the 2022 World Cup.
There have been claims that Kane’s performances have been affected by a knock he sustained in England’s first group stage match in Qatar, but the talented 29-year-old is adamant that there is no reason to doubt his match fitness and mental sharpness.
Harry Kane’s statement
Kane stated ahead of Sunday’s last-16 match against Senegal: “My foot feels fine, no problem at all. Obviously I had that knock in the first game but it’s been getting better day by day and I’m in a place now where I almost don’t feel it at all, which is great.”
“Form wise I feel like I’m playing well. Obviously goals are what I’ll be judged on most but as always I’m a calm individual. I always try to focus on doing my best for the team and I can do that in many ways as I’ve said before. I’ll continue to try to do that. If the goals come, then great. It’ll give us a better chance of winning the game and as a striker I always want to be scoring goals for sure,” Kane said on his recent lack of goals.
A goalless player throughout the group stage of Euro 2020, Kane found the back of the net against Germany, Ukraine, and Denmark as Gareth Southgate’s team advanced to the championship game and came within a penalty shootout against Italy to win a first major men’s trophy since 1966.
Despite Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden excelling in wide positions during a 3-0 victory over Wales, England are expected to shuffle their pack once more when taking on Senegal, with Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka set to return in attack alongside Kane.